The UAE National Guard's Coast Guard Group rescued 22 crew members on Friday, October 10, 2026, after a fire broke out aboard an oil tanker in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. According to an official statement, the vessel's crew issued a distress call as flames spread across the deck, prompting an immediate response from specialist maritime rescue teams.
The rescue operation was carried out swiftly, and all 22 crew members, reported to be largely of Asian nationality, were safely evacuated from the burning vessel. The rescued individuals received first aid on site and were confirmed to be in stable condition before being handed over to the relevant authorities for further processing.
In its statement, the National Guard said the operation demonstrated the high level of readiness and operational efficiency of its personnel in responding to maritime emergencies. Authorities have not yet released further details such as the tanker's name, the exact cause of the fire, or the precise timing of the incident, and an investigation is understood to be underway.
The Arabian Gulf is one of the world's busiest corridors for oil and cargo shipping, and the UAE regularly maintains maritime patrols and emergency readiness to safeguard vessel traffic through the sensitive waterway. The incident underscored once again the importance of rapid-response maritime rescue capability in the region.